Holt County, MO Biography

Fred MYERS, one of the prominent businessmen of Craig, came
to Holt Co. in Feb. 1869. He was born in Saxony, Germany Nov.
12, 1839. When age 5, he emigrated with his father to America,
the family settled at Joliet, Ill. Raised on a farm, Mr. MYERS
lived at Joliet until age 19. In 1858 he went to Michigan City,
Indiana and was employed on a farm until the Civil war broke out.
In the summer of 1861 he enlisted in the 73rd Indiana regiment
and served 3 years in the Union army. His regiment belonged to
the Army of the Cumberland and he took part in the battles of
Murfreesboro, Perryville and several smaller engagements. He enlisted
as a private; during his last two years of service he held the
rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

Leaving the army, he returned a short time to Michigan City,
then came to Mo. He reached St. Joseph in Nov., 1865. He farmed
and dealt in wood and other materials until Feb., 1869 when he
located at Craig where he has since been a resident. In 1873 he
commenced in the grain business and has since been prominent with
the business interests of Craig. He formed a partnership in 1874
with Dr. J.L. JOHNSTON for the purpose of dealing in grain. The
firm now is the largest single-party business of its kind in Holt
Co. More grain is shipped from Craig than any other point in the
county, the principal part passing through their hands. Both gentlemen
are good businessmen and by their enterprise and energy have built
up a large trade. Their liberal system of doing business has made
theirs the most popular business firm in northwest Holt Co. The
firm opened a large drug store in 1875 and do an extensive trade
in that business. They are proprietors of the only elevator in
the county exclusively devoted to such purposes and built excellent
facilities for conducting the heavy trade they have.

In 1872 Mr. MYERS was the Democrat candidate for Sheriff.
It was impossible to overcome the heavy Republican majority in
the county. However, Mr. MYERS was defeated by only 61 votes while
the rest of the Republican ticket won by majorities of 500 to
600 votes. Mr. MYERS' wife was formerly from St. Joseph. Her name
was Anna LAWRENCE; they were married April 9, 1872.